NEW YORK, March 18 (Reuters) - U.S. stocks climbed for a
second straight session on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 within
striking distance of its record after comments from Russian
President Vladimir Putin soothed anxiety that tensions over
Ukraine could escalate.

Gains were broad, with nine of the 10 primary S&P 500 sector
indexes higher for the day. An S&P technology sector index
, up 1.4 percent, led the advance, buoyed by a rally in
Microsoft Corp.

Microsoft shares jumped 4 percent to $39.55, the biggest
daily advance for the software company's stock since November.
Tuesday's move took the stock near $40 for the first time since
July 2000. Late Monday, a source familiar with the matter told
Reuters that the company may unveil an iPad version of the
company's Office software suite on March 27.

In an address to the Russian parliament, Putin said Russia
didn't want Ukraine to be divided further, and that he did not
want to seize more of the country after approving plans to make
Crimea part of Russia following a disputed referendum.
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